@article {Wedzicha434, author = {Jadwiga.A. Wedzicha and Alex.J. Mackay and Richa. Singh}, title = {COPD exacerbations: impact and prevention}, volume = {9}, number = {6}, pages = {434--440}, year = {2013}, doi = {10.1183/20734735.002913}, publisher = {European Respiratory Society}, abstract = {Educational aims To describe the impact of COPD exacerbations and the importance of the frequent exacerbator phenotype. To describe the spectrum of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions that reduce exacerbation frequency and severity. To discuss the role of novel interventions, such as long term macrolide use and dual bronchodilatation, in COPD exacerbation prevention. Summary Exacerbations are key events for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Exacerbations drive health status and contribute to disease progression and exacerbation prevention is a key goal of therapy in COPD. The majority of COPD exacerbations are triggered by respiratory viral infections and/or bacterial infections. Some patients are especially susceptible to frequent exacerbations and these patients need to be targeted for preventative therapy. A number of pharmacological therapies exist that can prevent COPD exacerbations and reduce hospital admissions. Non-pharmacological interventions for exacerbation prevention include pulmonary rehabilitation, long-term oxygen therapy and home noninvasive ventilator support, though the evidence base for these is less well developed. Improved management of the acute exacerbation will also prolong the time to the next exacerbation event.}, issn = {1810-6838}, URL = {https://breathe.ersjournals.com/content/9/6/434}, eprint = {https://breathe.ersjournals.com/content/9/6/434.full.pdf}, journal = {Breathe} }